Afrobeats superstar Davido, born David Adedeji Adeleke, has stirred up conversations once again on social media after hitting back at critics who have repeatedly trolled him for flaunting his father’s wealth—particularly his use of the family’s private jet.
In a sharp but humorous clapback shared via his X (formerly Twitter) handle, the singer said the outrage surrounding his privileged lifestyle was misplaced, asserting that access to luxury—like flying in a private jet—is simply his “birthright.” He added, sarcastically, that in his next life he would return as a vulcaniser just to avoid the envy and criticism tied to his billionaire background.
“This free jet wey I dey fly all around the world dey really pain una. I’m sorry it’s my birth right. In my next life, I go come back as vulcaniser. Ma binu,” Davido posted to his 14 million followers on Tuesday, July 9.
The statement, laced with both humor and sarcasm, was in response to fresh rounds of online criticism accusing the artist of having his success handed to him because of his father’s wealth. His father, Adedeji Adeleke, is a prominent Nigerian billionaire businessman and founder of Adeleke University.
While Davido has often acknowledged his privileged upbringing, he has also consistently argued that his success in the music industry is based on talent, hard work, and years of dedication, rather than his access to wealth. This week’s response is just the latest in a long-running narrative about how class divides and privilege influence public perception of artists, particularly in Nigeria.
Davido’s tweet quickly went viral, sparking both applause and criticism. Many fans stood by him, emphasizing that he has earned his place at the top of the music scene through a relentless work ethic and hit songs that have become continental anthems. Others, however, used the opportunity to reignite debates about class privilege, meritocracy, and authenticity in the African music industry.
Some users accused Davido of being insensitive to the plight of ordinary Nigerians, especially by using the metaphor of a vulcaniser—a blue-collar worker who repairs tires—to suggest a less glamorous life. However, supporters defended the tweet as a sarcastic but necessary response to a pattern of unwarranted criticism that the singer often faces.
“Why must he keep apologising for being born into wealth?” one user posted. “He’s one of the hardest working artists in Africa. Let him breathe.”
Another wrote: “This is the same guy who’s helped hundreds of people, paid school fees, gifted fans millions, and raised ₦200 million for orphanages. Yet he’s the one being dragged every week?”
Davido has frequently addressed the burden of being born into wealth in an industry that often celebrates stories of struggle and rags-to-riches success. In several interviews, he has opened up about how his background has made it difficult for some fans and industry insiders to give him due credit.
In a previous interview with Drink Champs, Davido said, “People think I had it easy because of my father, but it wasn’t like that. I had to work twice as hard to prove myself. Nobody gave me a pass. If anything, I had to fight more to be taken seriously.”
He has also previously stated that he faces resentment from within the music industry due to his family name. “I’m one of the most hated in the industry, and it’s because of my background. But I didn’t let it stop me. I made sure I earned my spot,” Davido said during an Instagram Live session in 2022.
Davido’s response this week echoes that sentiment—an ongoing frustration with being defined solely by his wealth rather than his accomplishments. Since his breakout hit “Dami Duro” in 2011, he has gone on to release multiple award-winning albums, win numerous international awards, and collaborate with global icons including Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Nas, and Lil Baby.
His most recent album, Timeless, broke streaming records on Spotify, Audiomack, and Apple Music across Africa within days of release in 2023, further cementing his place as one of Africa’s biggest musical exports. Despite his massive success, criticism about his background remains a frequent feature of online discourse.
It’s also worth noting that Davido has repeatedly used his platform and privilege for philanthropy. In 2021, he famously raised over ₦200 million (over $400,000) for orphanages across Nigeria after a spontaneous social media challenge led fans and celebrities to send him money for his birthday. He added ₦50 million from his own funds and distributed the total to charitable institutions, earning praise even from his critics.
The “Fem” hitmaker’s outburst this week comes as celebrities across the globe increasingly push back against the expectation to apologise for wealth or family status. In Nigeria, where class divisions are sharply felt, Davido’s status has often placed him in the middle of that public tension.
In his parting tweet, “Ma binu,” which means “Don’t be angry” in Yoruba, Davido wrapped his sarcasm in a thin veil of diplomacy, possibly acknowledging that his words would stir emotions.
The ongoing conversation around privilege, merit, and recognition in the entertainment industry is far from over. But for now, Davido appears unbothered and unapologetic.
As he jets around the world—free of charge, as he points out—one thing remains clear: love him or hate him, Davido is not going to dim his shine because others are uncomfortable with where he comes from.
And if things really do play out differently in another lifetime? He’s already joked about picking up a tire lever.
